Open Carry Talk (literally)

[Good Ol' Boy]

I noticed once again today a guy at the local Harbor Freight who walked in open carrying that I found several minutes later having a conversation with another OC stranger. Not the first time I've seen this.

I find absolutely nothing wrong with this and have no problem, it's just that it seems somewhat foreign to me as I'm part of the CC crowd.

I do realize that some people might actually know each other but the frequency I see this happen I feel pretty confident in saying that not all are aquaintences.

Is it normal for you OC folks to strike up a conversation with other folks you see OC just based on the fact you're both carrying?

 

[nettlle]

Open carry in Ohio has been legal for a very long time. I have never seen anyone open carry in Ohio except in public demonstrations of this right. I don't open carry nor do I ever intend to. No one that I have ever known, permitted for CCW or not, open carry.

 

[hdwhit]

Good Ol' Boy asked:
Is it normal for you OC folks to strike up a conversation with other folks you see OC just based on the fact you're both carrying?

When OC became legal in Texas there were several people who showed up at a local city's historic park for their "Third Sunday" open house. Nobody over-reacted to their presence, but those who were OC did get a lot of stares and dirty looks from people who didn't really think it appropriate to be OC at an event were most of the people present are under 10 years of age and there was a robust police presence.

Let me be clear - the organizers and the staff followed state law and OC'ers were not molested nor were the police called on them by either the organizers or any of the visitors. Nobody was stopped by organizers or police and nobody was asked to see their LTC (License to Carry). Still, the organizers had no control over the other people in the park on those days nor their obvious visceral reactions.

The people who showed up openly carrying continued for a while. After about three months, pretty much all the folks that were OC disappeared.

I never noticed any of the OC people talking with one another.

 

[MedWheeler]

People who open-carry are probably more likely to actually be firearms hobbyists or enthusiasts than most concealed-carriers. The guns and rigs are often more expensive than the typical, non-enthusiast's pocket-pistol and holster (if he even has a holster.) In such hobbies, there does seem to be a certain level of "camaraderie", so to speak, like the way fishermen who encounter each other at the lakeside will chat each other up.

I drive an old 4x4 Jeep and an almost-as-old Dodge pickup truck. It's fairly often that someone else, driving the same as whatever I'm driving that day, will chat me up about it at the gas pump or outside Bass Pro. It was even more common a few years ago when I still had my 80s Toyota 4x4.

I don't live in an OC state, but frequent two of them (Georgia and NC), and used to frequent a third (NM.) In none have I encountered anyone so carrying. I can't say if, had I, I would have struck up a conversation with any of them. It's certainly possible.

 

[Robert]

The guns and rigs are often more expensive than the typical, non-enthusiast's pocket-pistol and holster

My experience has been the exact opposite. Most folks I see OC here are doing so with with the cheapest nylon holster they can find. Retention is crap and half the time it looks like their pistol is going to fall out. And their pistols appear to reflect the same. Though I tend to see a few guys with drop legs pretending to be high speed too...

I suppose it would be like seeing someone else that enjoys something you enjoy. You have common ground and thus something to talk about.

 

[MedWheeler]

^^ Yeah, as I think about it, I can see that happening a lot. (See if you can snap a sneak pic of that guy with a Hi-Point in an Uncle Mike's next time you see him.)

I guess I was picturing (perhaps wishfully) that it's more like the rigs High-Roaders here post their pics of.

 

[Tallball]

OC seems rude and unnecessary to me. I live in an OC state and have literally never seen it.

 

[buck460XVR]

The guns and rigs are often more expensive than the typical, non-enthusiast's pocket-pistol and holster (if he even has a holster.)

My experience has been the exact opposite. Most folks I see OC here are doing so with with the cheapest nylon holster they can find. Retention is crap and half the time it looks like their pistol is going to fall out. And their pistols appear to reflect the same. Though I tend to see a few guys with drop legs pretending to be high speed too...

Goes to show, folks generally "see" what they want to see.......or 'remember" how they thought they saw it. Just Human nature.

As for the stopping and talking to each other, isn't that what folks do when they have similar interests? I talk to other fishermen I don't know at the boat landing. Saw a starnger in Camo at the Kwik-Trip at 4:00 am a while back and talked to him about turkey hunting. When out cruising on the bike, I talk to fellow bikers I don't know at gas stations, restaurants and other stops. I just consider it "community".

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I live in a very gun friendly state that allows open carry.

I only open carry when I'm out hiking in the woods. If I know I'm going to be around people I CC. I have no interest in drawing attention to myself.

When I see someone open carrying I note the make and model, but do not try to start a conversation. Just because someone has similar interests doesn't mean I want to talk to them. I also consider undue attention to what's in their holster to be rude.

I'm content to be left alone, and so I pay others the same curtesy.

 

[BSA1]

I not only support Open Carry Laws but I also exercise that right almost every time I go out in public.

In the interest of full disclosure I more accurately semi-open carry. I carry my Beretta 92FS year round in a Milt Sparks EX Companion IWB slightly forward of my right hip. It just happens to be concealed in cold weather when I am wearing a hoodie or jacket. The same gun in the same position and I never have to wonder what gun I was carrying and in what position if the stuff ever hits the fan.

I have never had anyone strike up a conversation or even make a comment about me openly packing my roscoe. This seems to be a issue with gun forum members.

I have had discussions with folks about guns when in the gun department of stores but I don't think that is the O.P.'s question.

(I went to funeral of a close friend Friday and concealed carry a pocket gun. Even though he was a gun club member and we shot a lot of matches together somehow it just didn't seem appropriate. I wanted the funeral to be about his life and not to create a distraction if there were gun haters there.)

 

[rpenmanparker]

Here in Houston I have a couple of time seen guys in restaurants carrying openly without displaying any evidence of law enforcement or similar affiliation. Funny thing is both times they looked like some type of LEO by their age, carriage and dress. Here you never know.

 

[Great Scot]

I live in Ohio, and carry concealed. I just saw my first OC yesterday when a gentleman strolled our of Walmart. He was carrying a long slide Glock in a nylon holster. I was actually taken aback a bit.

I personally believe OC makes you more of a target for a snatch and grab, as well as agitating folks that aren’t gun people. I can carry a decent size handgun concealed. Don’t understand why you want to alert the world that you are carrying.

Let the flaming commence.

 

[buck460XVR]

I personally believe OC makes you more of a target for a snatch and grab, as well as agitating folks that aren’t gun people.

One could say the same for folks that wear jewelry(including wedding bands), expensive watches, carry designer handbags, ride custom bikes, walk around with their Iphone 10, etc, etc, etc. One could say with todays technology, folks that post on gun forums are greatly increasing their chances of being burglarized. What's your point?

I can carry a decent size handgun concealed. Don’t understand why you want to alert the world that you are carrying.

Because, for many of us, open carry does not alert the world, nor do we make ourselves more of a target. We OC responsibly and carefully. any of us that open carry legally never get challenged, nor even a second glance. I regularly OC my 1911 in a shoulder holster. Folks either tell me "nice rig" or ask if I'm a Game Warden cause they want to report something. Never had a soccer mom faint or scream at the sight of me and have had conversations with LEOs while OC and never got a comment or stare from them. As for being a victim of "snatch and grab" my holster has very good retention and I observe my surroundings carefully, just as I do when not OCing. No different than when I CWC.

 

[entropy]

People who open-carry are probably more likely to actually be firearms hobbyists or enthusiasts than most concealed-carriers. The guns and rigs are often more expensive than the typical, non-enthusiast's pocket-pistol and holster (if he even has a holster.)

I'll have to say my experience has been more like Robert's. I've seen a lot more Hi-Points almost falling out of cheap Unclemike's or Crosman (Walmart sells them for $8 and yes, people use them for OC holsters) than I've seen 1911's in Bianchi pancakes or such. Usually around here the average OC carrier is one of these two; 1. ) Under 21, or 2.) cannot get a CCW. I do know one guy who works in a gunshop that OC's, usually on his way to and from work. I know one guy who fit into the 2nd group, and OC'd, but lost the pistol when he pistol-whipped a neighbor over their kids arguing. I know one other that has a Florida permit, but when he's visiting 'back home' up here in WI, must OC because WI doesn't honor FL's permit. He carries his compact .45 in a (RH) IWB Uncle Mikes OWB on the left side. Again, a gun looking to fall out....

Goes to show, folks generally "see" what they want to see.......or 'remember" how they thought they saw it. Just Human nature.

No, I was trained at the age of about 9 to 'make' concealed carriers (my Dad was a cop) and I make careful note of what type of gun and holster an OC has.

The only time I OC is during hunting season; I live in town, and get ready at home. I might stop at the gas station on the way. And I am CC'ing then, too. I'm not against it, I just see little reason for it if you can legally CCW.

 

[Kleanbore]

One could say the same ["target"] for folks that wear jewelry(including wedding bands), expensive watches, carry designer handbags, ride custom bikes, walk around with their Iphone 10, etc, etc, etc.

Very true indeed, and something to take into account.

Because, for many of us, open carry does not alert the world, nor do we make ourselves more of a target.

You cannot know that.

As for being a victim of "snatch and grab" my holster has very good retention and I observe my surroundings carefully, just as I do when not OCing.

Probably the greatest risk comes from someone in line behind you.

No different than when I CWC.

Big difference. How many people will decide to attack someone to take a weapon if he does not know that the victim has one?

 

[Rudolph31]

Here in Missouri Open Carry is legal —if you’ve got a Concealed Carry License (it doesn’t have to make sense, it’s just the law). For me, this takes away the concern that I might get arrested if someone catches a glimpse of my pistol. I don’t normally carry openly, but occasionally I’ll remove my concealment garment, and nobody notices. This was also the case last Memorial Day when I openly wore a GI 1911 in a GI holster and pistol belt.

 

[Kleanbore]

Here in Missouri Open Carry is legal —if you’ve got a Concealed Carry License (it doesn’t have to make sense, it’s just the law).

The license requirement applies only in municipalities in which open carry is not otherwise lawful.

 

[someguy2800]

I've had many people come up to me in stores, restaurants and gas stations to either just chat for a minute or thank me for carrying. Actually the last time I carried was last weekend when I went to a surprise shooting party for a good friend of mine and I put on my 1911 before I left home. I stopped at Fleet Farm to get clay pigeons on the way and while checking out the teller actually thanked me for carrying. I find it curios how often its happened to me. I guess I would not think to walk across a store to strike up a conversation about someones carry gun, but neither am I offended by it.

I don't open carry as a daily routine but if I'm going somewhere where I want one of my larger guns with its just easier to put it on before I leave, and if I happen to stop at a gas station or store I'm not going to bother to take it off. When I go grouse hunting or camping or I'm going to cut wood or something I often open carry a 4.2" sp101 or my buckmark in a snapped nylon holster. Same thing when I go to shoot pistol league or I go somewhere to fun shoot I put on my 1911 in an OWB snapped leather holster and don't take it off till I get home.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

My experience has been the exact opposite. Most folks I see OC here are doing so with with the cheapest nylon holster they can find. Retention is crap and half the time it looks like their pistol is going to fall out. And their pistols appear to reflect the same. Though I tend to see a few guys with drop legs pretending to be high speed too...

Most open carry I see has been like this as well. Usually the person doing it looks kind of like a slob as well.

I have seen one open carry in an IWB holster that looked reasonably put together, and then the local gun store owners virtually all OC, usually with Blackhawk SERPA or similar holsters, but they work in a gun store, so they can get away with that because everyone expects it.

I don't have a problem with open carry, but I do wish some of the people I see doing it were better brand ambassadors, as it were.

I can't help but notice that most of the disheveled, lost-in-the-sauce open carriers I see have been in Wal-Mart, and all the reasonably put-together ones have been in Fleet Farm, and I've never seen anyone open carrying anywhere else.

 

[entropy]

I don't have a problem with open carry, but I do wish some of the people I see doing it were better brand ambassadors, as it were.

I can't help but notice that most of the disheveled, lost-in-the-sauce open carriers I see have been in Wal-Mart, and all the reasonably put-together ones have been in Fleet Farm, and I've never seen anyone open carrying anywhere else.

My experience exactly. I work at Walmart, (Where I cannot carry, concealed or open, without losing my job ) and when I shop at Fleet Farm, the OC carriers there are greeted by employees cheerfully, and yes, they usually have better guns and carry rigs.
They guy I mentioned in my previous post that works in the gun shop came in to my work one night, I said "Hi, what ya got on today?"(His S&W 327 in a pancake holster that day) , etc. and a co-worker started stalking him through the store, til I caught up with her (before she was about to call the cops) and told her, 1.) Yes, it is legal, and 2.) He works in a gun shop, and you are much safer with him here than when he isn't.

 

[someguy2800]

I see alot of people out and about with a compact 9mm like a shield or XDS in an IWB holster and shirt tucked behind it or a high riding kydex OWB holster. I don't pay it much mind. I guess I have seen a few people open carrying large frame handguns slapping around on the hip. Usually older guys with suspenders. Again, none of my business.

 

[somethingbenign]

I figure they talk because they know other OC guys aren't likely to denounce their carry method. Just look how many in this thread alone have critizied the practice and this is a gun forum. OC guys always seem to be the pariahs in the gun community so I don't blame them finding camaraderie in that. As far as the practice itself, that conversation has been hashed out many times before.

 

[someguy2800]

And yes, when I carry my buckmark or sp101 to the woods I do use a rather cheap and sloppy looking Uncle mikes nylon holster. Reason being is it covers almost the entire gun except the grip and they are well padded to protect it while rubbing up on trees and the side of the boat and such. So if you see me headed toward International Falls with a dog and a boat and one of these ugly things on don't judge to quickly

 

[Rudolph31]

The license requirement applies only in municipalities in which open carry is not otherwise lawful.

True, but it’s often difficult to tell just which municipality I’m in, let alone what their local ordinances are. A typical day of running errands around here can put me in no less than 5 different towns, all within 15 miles of my home. And putting too fine a point on Missouri Law would only distract from my point that most people are too absorbed in their own lives to notice what I’m wearing.

 

[bassjam]

I live in Ohio, and have only seen 3 people open-carrying here that I can remember. One had a nice 1911 in a pretty leather holster, another a Glock in a Bianchi (he seemed like an off-duty cop) and the third was a tiny lady running a small store in a shady area in the middle of Hocking Hills late at night with a M&P and well-worn grip tape in some sort of kydex holster. I see people open carrying so rarely that I’ve never had the opportunity to observe if they interact with each other.

I think the biggest thing is some people are just friendly talkers. I have 2 buddies that seem to attract strangers that just want to jabber with them, and they are both the type that love the interaction. Me, I pretty much never have people approach me to talk which is good because I hate people and just want to get in and out of a store as quickly as possible. My wife also hates people, but like my buddies she always attracts people trying to talk to her in public so she’s always having to make excuses to get away from them (or just ignores them to begin with).